Paper Grass Tutorial

Last year, when we did our Spring windows, I had many requests for a paper flower class.  It got me to thinking, and I decided to start documenting projects, just in case anyone felt like getting crafty! This project was for part of our most recent window. I was inspired by all of the windy and rainy weather that we’ve been having here in Paso Robles.  There have been the most beautiful soft colors floating around. I envisioned a windy window, full of linens blowing in the wind, and long grasses waving in all shades. I began to make grass, and these little sculptures emerged.

First off, the ingredients:

a glue gun and plenty of glue sticks
some recycled cardboard
nice thick paper (I prefer cardstock) in your choice of color
scissors
a pencil
your fingers

Cut out a piece of cardboard in a freeform organic shape.  This will be your base (the earth, so to speak!)  Next, cut out a long rectangular piece of cardboard, and shape it in a half circle.  Trace out the shape onto the base, in the position that you want it to be.  Using hot glue, glue the half circle down to the base.  Hold in place until the glue dries.  This piece of cardboard will help to support the weight of the long strands of grass.

After the glue is dry, cut a piece of paper to fit the half circle.  You want it to be wide enough to cover the cardboard, and long enough to look like grass.  I wanted my grass to look a little more unkempt (not going for the buzz cut look here!), so I kept it long.  When you have your paper sized, next you want to cut it into small strips.  The smaller the strip, the more it looks “real”, so patience is a virtue here!  I tore the top of my paper first for a more uneven look, but a perfectly straight line can be beautiful too.

Glue the fringed paper to the cardboard.  Repeat process with a different size and different color. In fact, repeat again and again.  The more layers you create, the more interesting it looks. Next up are the tufts of grass. Cut a smaller piece of paper and glue it into a tube. Fringe all the way around the tube, and using your fingers, separate and curl the edges to give the grass some movement. When the tuft of grass is ready, glue to the base. Keep adding small bunches and long pieces of grass until it looks finished to you. And voila! you have your own little paperscape…go crazy and you could make your very own field to frolic in!

Happy paper Spring, everyone!

More Pictures Below!